Adding 2nd major or certificate

College Majors
1

<p>Hi-</p>

<p>I am majoring in Geography (concentration in physical geog/environmental processes. I have been considering either adding a second major (conservation biology) or a certificate in environmental studies. The problem is that each of these additional plans includes several required courses which I am not all that interested in. </p>

<p>If I just went with Geography, I would be able to take other courses, such as: hydrogeology, environmental health, soils/environmental quality, etc. In the end, I would graduate with a degree in geography with extra coursework in those areas, which are more interesting to me. Though I would have the extra coursework, there would be no "formal" recognition of it. To be honest, I think that the courses I could pick myself (not part of formal program) would better prepare me for my desired potential careers. </p>

<p>As you can tell I'm looking to work in an environmental field, whether it is related to health, restoration, management, GIS, planning, impact, etc. </p>

<p>Any recommendations on whether I should do the formal second major/cert or if I should go with the additional coursework.</p>

2

<p>You should study what you want to study in college. A certificate or a second really won’t make that big of a difference. They might be decent signalling mechanisms to show you are really interested in that sort of stuff (as Double major in X and Y is easier to see on a resume than extra courses) but when you actually get to an interview it’s probably easier for you to talk about courses you really enjoyed and how you want to use that knowledge in the work place.</p>

3

<p>I think Venkat is on the right track. An employer will look at your transcript and they will see what what you have studied, regardless of certificate.</p>